What is writing?
Q: What is writing?
A: Writing is the act of recording language on a visual medium using a set of symbols that are known to others, so that the text may be read. It may also use other visual systems such as illustrations and decorations.
Q: What does it mean to be literate?
A: To be literate means to be able to read and write.
Q: How does writing differ from speech?
A: Writing differs from speech because the readers need not be present at the time; we can read writing from long ago, and from different parts of the world.
Q: When was writing invented?
A: Writing was invented after people settled in towns, and after agriculture started; it dates back about 3,300BC in the Middle East.
Q: What materials have been used for writing throughout history?
A: Throughout history, clay, papyrus, wood, slate, parchment (prepared animal skins), waxed tablets with a pointed stylus have all been used for writing. The later invention of paper by the Chinese was a big step forward.
Q: How is text created today?
A: Today, text is usually created by input on a computer keyboard or hand tool such as a pencil or pen; however it can also be displayed on television or movie screens or computer screens.
